Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1887-09-07
At last Halls youth brought

him round.
One day 1t flashed upon me, all at
once, that Hal was in danger of falling
ing in love with Jennie That very
afternoon [ said to Hal, 81 shall get off
to New York tomorrow morning.
Can you be ready?''
lie started suddenly and gave me a
penetrating look as If to read my
thoughts. Then he flushed scarlet and
said:
''Of course, will be ready"
That was all. But L felt relieved.
''Once get him away L reflected, and
she will soon forget all about iC.''
The next morning we were off
early on the stage. We stopped a
day at Old Orchard to rest and pack
our trunks, and then went directly
home, where we were gladly well
coined by our friends.
Soon after our return business called
me 20 California, where L remained
for a year.
During this time 1 heard nothing
from Hal. The little incidents of our
tour In Maine, meantime, had been
forgotten. But when l returned to
New York l called on Hal at once.
Delighted to see you back again, s"
said Halls father, into whose presence
l was ushered.
"And how is Hal?" / said.
Hal? L have not seen him for an
age
"HaYe not seen him? Where is hep"
''He is IN the city. l suppose you
know Hal is married?"
Il did not," L said, still more sur
prised.
Yes, he married a pennlless girl
from somewhere in the woods of Maine,
Threw himself hopelessly away. L was
SO displeased that | told him he must
look out for himself; and the boy was
spirited enough to do SO. He and
have not met for six months. He Is
doing business in Il small way for
himself, and, 1 understand. success
fully.''F
Il am sorry to hear this" 1 said.
Can nothing be done?"
We'll, perhaps" answered his
father. 1--WE have been headstrong
and foolish, and both too proud to
acknowledge it. But l want Hal
back again, wife and all. l am glad
you have come home, Hardy. | can't
quite make up my mind to go to Hal
myself, and l want you to do it for
me. You used to have great influence
with him.
Il shall be happy to serve you i'll
this,
"When will you see him?"
Tonight. The sooner the better. >
And so it was decided. The father
was To remain in the carriage while
went in.
Halls house was small, neat cot
tage in the suburbs. y vigorous tug
at the bell soon brought out the pro-
| prietor. lie looked at me for a mo.
mement. as If TO identify me; and
then l felt a pair OF strong arms
around my neck.
why. you dear old fellow" cried
Hal. "Where did you come fromi
Pm SO glad to see youl Where have
you been all this timer
AS he spoke be took me into a cosy
little sittIng-roOm, and before | haC
time TO reply had disappeared. WheI
Hal returned 1 caught, for the frs
time, glance at his face. 1t WAS thu
same fresh, Joyous face, only there
was a serious manllness now IN place o
the old boylsh expression. He was fol
lowed by fair-haired, rosy-faced yOunl
creature, whom with proud air he in
| troduced as his wife. Where had
seen her before? All at once the
| truth flashed on me-
why, you are Jennie, - l exclaimed
and took both her hands IN mine.
Yes, am Jennie" she answered
and hlushed again, redder than ever.
We sat down and began to talk.
broached the subject of his father.
Il can never go back to him," saiC
Hal, unless he makes some advances
first, and he will never do that"
Are you quite 50 sure?" said dec
voice behind us. We looked around
So eager had been our conversation
that we had not obIerved the opening
of the door. Are you quite so sure, ,
said Halls father, for it WAS he wht
spoke.
"My DEAR" he continued, advancin!
and bowing low to Jennie, pardon a
old mAu, who has come, though late
to ask your forgiveness. l want you
husband to be my son again. l wan
you to be my daughter. i want you {
come and live with me-that Is, if yo
can take pity on one SO utterly forlOrn.
His voice broke down as he finished.
Jennie burst into tears, rushed for
ward and impulsively threw her arm
about the old man. AS she clu2g I
him and kissed him l knew that tn
reconciliation was permanent and com
pete
All this happened years ago. Jenni
is now a leader of society In New Y orli
and the most beautiful matron at tn
Patriarch ball But she is still to N
at least, and am sure also to her nus
band, the same true and unaffecte
character as when we discovered he
in the woods of Maine, an unknow
Sleeping Beauty.